4/13/2011

The Sign of the Times...

Whether it is a road sign, an old blue and white
sign from a French street or even a foreign speed sign, they all conjure up images of traveling the many roads of the world: the many roads of life.

Enamel streets signs from various places in France

Icy roads starts here

Hand painted signs that once hung over a store or business show us the care that people put into adding a touch of beauty and pride to their establishments. Even a hand painted sign on a wooden board advertising a building or a room for rent, as mundane as it may seem, elicits a pleasant and nostalgic feeling in our hearts.

Furnished apartment for rent, on the French Riviera close to Cannes

Cafê sign painted on metal 1940's Lyon, France

Double sided Pharmacy sign, Lyon 1900's

One of my joys while I travel through Europe hunting for treasures,

is admiring some of the old signs that hang over
florist shops, bakeries, butcher shops and many other establishments.

For me, these signs are much more
beautiful than the modern neon and screen signs that we now see everywhere which seem rude and offensive to my eyes.

Will you send us a photo of your favorite sign? Whether you own it or have seen it on a street or on the page of a book or magazine, I'd love to do a follow up of this entry and include some of those photos.

15 comments:

Oh! I was at Limoges antiques market last week - there was a guy with 5 or 6 named street signs. I had spent all my cash on books and linen and was so tired having been up since dawn and carrying all my heavy bags around, so I let them go...Oh well, he might be there next time...

Thank you ladies and good morning! Renee: loved your entry on Mixing It Up.Carol: you'd better go back and get those signs. Lil Leslie: see you in the So. Cal.Antonia: Thank you for sharing your street sign.Ria: always nice to read your comments.M.Anne: Bienvenue!Sharon: Wish you had been here also. Have you read our entry on Ile de Re?

I just sold one of my favorite French signs...now after seeing this blog post...I totally regret it!! Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing all the eye candy! I will see you this weekend...kathee chateau et jardin

About us

Atelier de Campagne was created by the concerted efforts of Trinidad Castro and Johan de Meulenaere. When they first met about 15 years ago, they discovered that among their affinities, they both had a love for antiques and unique object d’art.
Trinidad had a background in Art and Johan had a degree in Interior and Furniture Design. Years later, when Johan returned to his native Belgium, they decided to venture together and create an antique import business. Johan as the creative force in Europe, hunts for and gathers the one-of-a-kind mirrors, chandeliers, and pieces of furniture that they are known for, and also creates new treasures by “marrying” elements from old pieces of furniture with other artifacts, recycled wood, etc.
Trinidad on this side of the Atlantic busied himself developing the business and building the clientele by participating in major gift shows, antique fairs, and tending to their store-front. In the summer they both travel through France selecting beauties to bring to the U.S.